Guyana

Guyana is a country in South America. It is considered a part of the Caribbean region, although, geographically, it is separate from it. This is due to the rich cultural background, which it shares with the Caribbean community. The regions that border it are the Atlantic Ocean, Brazil, Suriname, and Venezuela. The capital of the country is Georgetown, and the official languages are English, Guyanese, and Creole. The people of the country are Guyanese. The country covers a total area of 215,000 km2.

The currency of the country is Guyanese Dollar. The approximate exchange rate is G$206.62 for US$1. The currency exchange is available in banks and bureaus de change (cambios). However, if you bring US Dollars, you don’t have to exchange them, as they are widely acceptable. You can also use all major credit cards in large hotels, restaurants, car hire companies and tour operators. ATMs are plentiful, but not all of them accept foreign cards.

Taxis are multiple. However, if you want to hire a car, you can do it in Georgetown. You have to be over 21 years old to do that. Roads are in various condition. Cars drive on the left side of the road here.

In Guyana, they use electric sockets of type A, so you don’t need to bring an adapter. However, the standard voltage can be either 120V or 240V.

It has a population of 735,500 people. There are various ethnic groups present, East Indians being the most prominent one. Other than that, African ethnic people are also dominantly present. The majority of the population follows Christianity as their religion, but Hinduism is also prominent.

Guyana’s culture is very similar to other English-speaking countries of the Caribbean, due to its historical connection with British Empire. However, the geographical location and the dense population of rain-forests separate it from the other Caribbean countries. Also, Guyana has received the features of East Indian and African cultures. This fact makes it similar to Trinidad and different from other parts of the Americas. For example, the country shares similar interests, such as festivals, foods, sports, and music, with the islands of the West Indies.

Cricket is the most popular sport in Guyana. The country plays it against other Caribbean countries. In 2007, Guyana also co-hosted the Cricket World Cup. Famous events include Mashramani, Phagwah, and Deepavali. Mashramani is Guyana Republic Day. Phagwah or Holi is a Hindu festival of colors. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Deepavali or Diwali is a Hindu festival of lights, celebrated annually in spring (in the Southern hemisphere). In Guyana, it is an official holiday.